Review of TAITO Milestones 3 for Nintendo Switch

ININ Games is back with their latest offering, TAITO Milestones 3, which brings 10 exciting retro classics to the Nintendo Switch. Let’s dive into our detailed review of this eagerly anticipated collection!

The saga started in 2022 with the release of the first TAITO Milestones, followed by its sequel last year. Now, as we step into 2024, it’s time to explore what the third installment has in store for us. This series celebrates TAITO’s rich history and their significant contributions to the arcade gaming universe.

Here’s a peek at the classic TAITO games you’ll be able to enjoy in this collection:

– Bubble Bobble
– Rainbow Islands
– Rastan Saga
– Dead Connection
– Cadash
– Rastan Saga 2
– Champion Wrestler
– Runark
– Warrior Blade
– Thunder Fox

Starting with Bubble Bobble, this enchanting 2D single-screen platformer first hit arcades in 1986. Players join the delightful dragons, Bub and Bob, on a mission to save their girlfriends from the clutches of the sinister Baron Von Blubba. By exhaling bubbles to trap foes and then popping them, players can generate items for power-ups and enhance their scores. Many may recall playing this classic on the NES—Nintendo Entertainment System.

Following Bubble Bobble, the sequel—Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2—rolled out a year later. Fans now guide the human forms of Bub and Bob as they battle to free the Rainbow Islands from the terror of Dark Shadow. Gone are the bubbles; this time, magical rainbows offer both defense and a means to climb above the rising seas.

The third game, Rastan Saga from 1987, known to western fans simply as Rastan, combines side-scrolling action with hack-and-slash elements. As the legendary Rastan, players navigate six enthralling levels packed with enemies and formidable bosses. Along the way, weaponry and power-ups can be collected, though they only last for limited periods, adding an extra layer of strategy.

In Dead Connection, a 1992 arcade treasure, up to four players can leap into this fast-paced game set in a nondescript 1950s metropolis. It channels iconic films like The Untouchables and The Godfather, challenging players to fend off throngs of enemies and skillfully utilize collected weapons and power-ups. Precision is key, as dodging and rolling are necessary to evade harm, with close-contact melee attacks reserved for when things get truly dire.

Cadash offers a vibrant fusion of 2D platforming and RPG elements. Set in a fantastical world, players control one of the four valiant heroes set on rescuing Princess Salassa from a two-headed dragon. Engage in battles against Balrog’s hordes, ultimately facing him in a quest to thwart his plot to bind himself to the Princess through dark magic.

Then comes Rastan Saga 2, the next chapter after Rastan Saga, where the ruler recounts more gripping tales from his past. Known as Nastar Warrior in the U.S., this game’s medieval journey pits players against an evil wizard and his minions. Success leads to the salvation and rule of Rastania.

Champion Wrestler, a 1989 release, invites players into the high-energy world of pro wrestling, offering eight unique characters each with their own strengths in power, endurance, technique, speed, and resilience.

Called Growl outside Japan, Runark is a 1990 beat ’em up where players act as forest rangers safeguarding animals from heartless poachers. With fierce determination (and perhaps a grenade launcher), players navigate seven stages, battling foes to preserve wildlife.

Warrior Blade, the third Rastan Saga outing released in 1991, has distinct similarities to the adored Golden Axe series. Here, players can choose from Rastan the Bandit, Dewey the Hireling, or Sophia the Thief, playing through diverse paths and savoring vivid pixel art.

Finally, we meet Thunder Fox, the 1990 run ‘n’ gun adventure where players tackle terrorists in an action-packed quest. With its unique setting in the year 199X and a team named Thunder and Fox, players will want to test their mettle in this once Japan-exclusive title.

TAITO Milestones 3 is a delightful mix of timeless classics, catering to retro game enthusiasts and newcomers alike, with an array of genres and gameplay styles. Scheduled for a December 10 release, it’s available for $39.99 on the Nintendo Switch, offering an immersive experience on the go or at home.

This review of TAITO Milestones 3 is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by ININ Games. Whether you fancy nostalgic platformers or intense side-scrollers, this collection has something to enjoy for everyone.